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Archives: Jan. 1-7, 2007

City, Jaxx team up to put the fun back in baseball
Posted Jan. 5, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Jackson and the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League) say they are working with a renewed spirit of cooperation to improve attendance at Jaxx games this season. A meeting Thursday morning at City Hall drew 26 local businessmen, city officials, media representatives and Jaxx personnel to discuss ideas on how to restore community support for the Double-A baseball franchise. Committees are being formed, and a second meeting is scheduled for Jan. 18. "I feel like I did in 2003 again," Jaxx Vice President David Lozinak said after the meeting, which lasted nearly two hours. "Everyone is taking a positive approach to making this work in Jackson. Hopefully, all the negativity surrounding the battle between the city and [former Jaxx President] David Hersh is a thing of the past, and we can move forward. It really is refreshing."
    RELATED STORIES: Committee seeks to drum up support for Jaxx; Batter up! Orlando has place for baseball; Jaxx sale strikes out; Failure of Jaxx deal is strike two for Bennett; Diamond Jaxx purchase scrapped; Ten-year lease spells hope for Pringles Park; Council approves Pringles Park deal; Pringles Park contract on City Council's agenda; Where will Jaxx fall?; Mississippi-based businessman helping broker Jaxx sale; Orlando group buys West Tenn Diamond Jaxx; Lozinaks sell Diamond Jaxx; Orlando group wants to buy West Tenn Diamond Jaxx; Sportsplex could help solidify future of Diamond Jaxx

Raptors propose expansion of Lindquist Field
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The Ogden Raptors (rookie; Pioneer League) are proposing a $3 million expansion at Lindquist Field that would raise the number of seats to as many as 6,500. The team averaged more than 3,500 fans last season. City planners recommended approval Wednesday and sent the plan to Mayor Matthew Godfrey. The team and city would share the cost of the project. Bleachers along the foul lines would be replaced with 2,400 chairs. A standing-room-only deck would be built in left field.

Front-office turnover no worry for 'Stormers
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If the Peace Corps hadn’t used the motto first, working for the Lancaster Barnstormers (independent; Atlantic League) and other minor-league baseball teams could be called "the toughest job you’ll ever love." That’s because the long hours and other factors lead to "very few 'lifers' in minor-league baseball," the Barnstormers' team president noted this week. So even with the departures of some of the most visible front-office people, along with its on-field manager, the Atlantic League champions are preparing for what its president Jon Danos expects to be "our third and best season yet." GM Joe Pinto left to form his own sports-marketing firm, while manager Tommy Herr left for a coaching job in the Washington Nationals organization. The Barnstormers will announce the hiring of a new GM and two new assistant GMs next Monday.

City renews Wahconah Park debate
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Almost 18 months after it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, Wahconah Park's future will be debated again. Naming rights, facility upgrades and developmental grants are all topics for discussion in a meeting that Mayor James M. Ruberto hopes to have with various city officials within the next two weeks to discuss the 3,100-seat historic ballpark's future. Ruberto said he is considering seeking a private entity to pay for naming rights to the park, then use the funding to help pay for improvements. Any entity interested in this proposal would need to keep Wahconah Park as part of the stadium's name. The ballpark is currently home to the Pittsfield Dukes (summer collegiate; NECBL).

Say hello to the Toros
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United League Baseball officials announced that El Toro Sporting Goods has agreed to be the title sponsor of the inaugural season of Winter League Baseball. The Winter League season begins play Jan. 19. Four ball clubs will play in the Winter League, three of which are already ULB members -- Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings (Harlingen), Edinburg Coyotes and Laredo Broncos. The fourth team will represent the city of Brownsville as the Brownsville Toros. Each team will play 24 games, all at Harlingen Field, plus a best two-out-of three Winter League Championship Series. There will be two games daily, except on Sundays, one at 11 a.m. and the second at 3:30 p.m. Each game will be played in seven innings.

Little League stays on ESPN
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Little League Baseball will continue on ESPN under an eight-year contract extension announced Thursday. Financial terms of the deal, which will run through 2014, weren't disclosed. ESPN and ABC have carried the Little League Championship since 1963. The new deal includes multimedia rights and 49 games in the eight divisions of Little League Baseball. ESPN said that this year marks the first time that the networks -- including ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC -- will carry all 32 games of the Little League Baseball World Series, which will run from August 17-23 in Williamsport, Pa.

Ballpark Notes
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The New Orleans Zephyrs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) announced that Ken Oberkfell will manage the team in 2007. Oberkfell becomes the Zephyrs' ninth manager. The rest of the 2007 Zephyrs coaching staff will be announced in the coming weeks. This will be Oberkfell's seventh season with the New York Mets organization. Prior to joining the Zephyrs, Oberkfell, 50, spent the two previous seasons (2005-06) as the manager of the Norfolk Tides (Class AAA; International League). Oberkfell led the Tides to an International League South Division title in 2005 and was named Minor League Manager of the Year by Baseball America. Oberkfell has compiled a 701-698 record as a manager in 10 years as the skipper. Before joining the Mets organization, he spent four years as a manager in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Oberkfell played 16 seasons in the majors with St. Louis, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Houston and California from 1977-1992....The Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low Class A; Sally League) announced the hiring of Yunhui Harris as the team’s new Director of Merchandise. A native of Fayetteville, N.C., Harris is a 2000 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science. In 2003, she received a Master’s of Education in Sport Management from the University of Georgia....Bob Skube is the new hitting coach for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) replacing Tom Tornincasa, who will take over the same duties for the San Antonio Missions (Class AA; Texas League). Skube joins the Wizards staff and the Padres system from the Texas Rangers organization He spent the 2005 season as the hitting and bench coach for the Bakersfield Blaze (High Class A; California League) and was the manager of the Rangers' Arizona League team in 2006.... The Daytona Cubs (High Class A; Florida State League) announced that Brady Ballard and Tom Denlinger have been named the team’s Co-Assistant General Managers for the 2007 season at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.  Ballard is a 2001 graduate of the University of Illinois. He joined Daytona in the fall of 2005 as the team’s Director of Sales. Ballard spent two seasons with the Double-A Jacksonville Suns before coming to Daytona. Denlinger is a 2003 graduate of Messiah College in Grantham, Penn. He has spent the last three seasons with the Delmarva Shorebirds (Low Class A; Sally League) where he served in a variety of roles including most recently as Sponsorship Sales Executive. Ballard and Denlinger will take over for Matt Provence, who served as the Assistant General Manager since the fall of 2004. Provence is now working as the Director of Media Relations for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League)....Mike Sarbaugh will return as manager of the Kinston Indians (High Class A; Carolina League) for the 2007 season. Joining him will be pitching coach Tony Arnold, hitting coach John Nunnally and trainer Chad Wolfe. Sarbaugh led the Kinston Indians to a 2006 Carolina League Championship last season sweeping both the Southern Division and Championship Series and finishing the season with a record of 90-54. Hitting coach John Nunnally was a Carolina League All-Star for the K-Tribe in 1994. Nunnally was the hitting coach for the Burlington Indians (rookie; Appalachian League) in 2006.  Pitching Coach Tony Arnold returns to Kinston where he was the K-Tribe pitching coach in 1995. Trainer Chad Wolfe will be in his fourth year as a trainer within the Cleveland organization....

Wolff ready to go public on ballpark
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After months of closed-door sessions with city and regional transit officials, the Oakland A's management will appear Jan. 16 at their first public Fremont meeting to discuss plans to move to Cisco Field. Team co-owner Lew Wolff is expected to introduce at least basic details of the proposed stadium and its surrounding "ballpark village" on south Fremont land. The meeting will take place about two months after Wolff joined Cisco Systems Inc. CEO John Chambers in a news conference to announce a land and ballpark sponsorship deal between the A's and the San Jose tech giant. The deal's terms call for Cisco to give the A's control of a 143-acre parcel adjacent to Interstate 880 and the Pacific Commons shopping center. Cisco also will pay $4 million annually for the next 30 years for the naming rights to the ballpark. Cisco Field is estimated to cost as much as $500 million. Its seating capacity would be baseball's smallest at 30,000 to 34,000.
    RELATED STORIES: Cisco blending tech and baseball; Records show evolving talks between A's, Fremont; Are the A's worth it to Fremont's neighbors?; More meetings with A's slated after new year; Fremont kicks off negotiations with the A's; A's detail Fremont plans down to the letter; San Jose still ponders illusory ballpark; Transit teams try to solve Cisco Field 'challenges'; A's Fremont ballpark must field host of hurdles; A's plan $400 million to $500 million ballpark village in Fremont; New A's ballpark would boast heavy Cisco tech; The next big thing: the San Jose A's?; A's ready to pull trigger on new Fremont ballpark; Oakland City Council grants A's extension; A's could move away; A's owner Wolff buys prospective ballpark land in Fremont; Fremont looking more and more like future home of Oakland A's; A's not ready to slide out of Oakland yet; A's pass on longer lease for McAfee Coliseum; Owner gives up on moving A's to San Jose; A's to decide ballpark fate by end of season; Fremont's attempt to lure A's running into obstacles; 'Let's plan for A's move,' Coliseum agency told; San Jose voters jeer ballpark plan; Wolff wants to keep A's in Bay Area; A's, Fremont near deal; A's must stay, Oakland mayor candidates say; A's close to deal for Fremont ballpark, officials say; Rumors trail A's search for new ballpark; A's owner in Fremont for meetings; Wolff says there's land for new A's ballpark in Fremont; A's officials confirm interest in new Fremont ballpark; A's take long look at Fremont ballpark site; The San Jose A's of Fremont?; San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark; Will smaller mean better for the A's?; A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06; A's owner's new plan for ballpark; Talks for new A's ballpark sputter; Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball plan; A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion team for San Jose; Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension; A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision stage; Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose; San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark; Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost $100 million; San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property; Fremont will consider a pitch for A's; Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark; Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win allies, public funds; Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions; Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near Coliseum; A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep team in Oakland; Have A's settled on new ballpark site?; Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine; A's think small with stadium plans; Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's; A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible; Athletics announce committee to plan new Oakland ballpark; Another San Jose site eyed for baseball; The time has come for new A's ballpark; No specifics on new Oakland ballpark, but plans in the works; San Jose quits discussions on cannery; Wolff about to take over; Going to bat for A's is big opportunity for San Jose mayor; Wolff: A's ballpark already in works; Deal near for San Jose cannery site; For A's, way to San Jose paved with uncertainty; San Jose baseball crusader makes his pitch; A's sale could happen quickly; Sale of A's to heighten San Jose intrigue; BART to the ballpark, what a vision; Another San Jose pitch for baseball; San Jose mayor makes his pitch; Q&A with A's new owner Lew Wolff

Council postpones Winston-Salem ballpark vote
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The Winston-Salem City Council postponed a vote yesterday on whether to spend $29 million over 25 years on a new ballpark for the Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A: Carolina League). The action came after an hourlong public hearing during which residents expressed strong opinions both for and against the proposal. As the council prepared to vote on the proposal, Council Member Vivian Burke suggested that she would exercise a rarely used motion -- called a no-consideration motion -- that would have allowed her to take the proposal off the table for last night's meeting without getting approval from the council to do so. The stadium is expected to cost $22.6 million, but Prim is asking the city and county to invest more than that because of the cost of loans over time. The city, for example, is ready to borrow $10 million to pay for nearly half of the stadium costs. Over the 20-year term, however, the cost of the loan is expected to increase to $21 million.
    RELATED STORIES: Attendance, costs at question in W-S ballpark plan; County quiet on funding for new Warthogs ballpark; W-S ballpark could avoid difficult permits since it has no creek; Traffic concerns dominate Winston-Salem ballpark meeting; City outlines routes to proposed Warthogs ballpark; W-S finance committee recommends incentives for new Warthogs ballpark; New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go; Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem; New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets; Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch

City pitches pro ball team
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A new minor-league baseball team is still a few weeks away from announcing its location, but league President Ron Baron is predicting a big win for the Galveston area. The Continental Baseball League, a Dallas-based independent professional league scheduled to begin with at least four teams in May, will likely put one of its Texas teams in League City. The announcement is hinging on local investors, who Baron asked to pay a $10,000 administrative fee to guarantee the team’s location instead of the $100,000 franchise fee originally proposed. Baron said of the 42 potential cities that the league looked at, he’s narrowed it down to a few finalists, with the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Branson, Mo., and Oklahoma are all still in the running, as well as other Texas cities. Original plans had six teams playing an 80-game season that would span 13 weeks, but the number of teams was cut to two and the schedule cut to 60 games in 12 weeks.
    RELATED STORIES: Las Cruces could get pro baseball; Group planning regional baseball league; CBL waiting on Longmont; Consultant: Potential Topeka team would want new ballpark; WU baseball field, CBL team are great fit; Lafayette residents mixed on independent baseball team; Continental Baseball League to launch in 2007

San Antonio to discuss ways to lure pro franchises
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Mayor Phil Hardberger and County Judge Nelson Wolff have scheduled a meeting for next week to discuss how San Antonio would pursue NFL or Major League Baseball teams interested in relocation.  County sports consultant Michael Sculley will also attend the meeting, Wolff said. County commissioners want Sculley to develop relationships with Major League Baseball and the NFL and keep the county apprised of opportunities. The county attempted to lure the Marlins away from South Florida last spring with a plan that called for generating $200 million for a stadium by extending the tourism taxes paying for the AT&T Center.

Barreiro: Ballpark would trigger redevelopment in downtown Miami
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Building a $420-million ballpark for the Florida Marlins next door to the Stephen P. Clark Center could provide the spark that ignites massive redevelopment in the stagnant western section of downtown Miami, government officials said last week. Downtown Development Authority members Neisen Kasdin and Bruno A. Barreiro say a stadium would trigger new investment in the Flagler Street central business district and in underdeveloped areas surrounding the proposed site on Third Street. Attracting people is key to west-side economic development, Barreiro said. Existing downtown shops, restaurants and businesses would convert some baseball fans into customers. But new businesses would also spring up to service fans.
    RELATED STORIES: Dade leaders pitch 'urban' ballpark for Marlins; New downtown Miami site explored for proposed Marlins ballpark; MLB official hopes Crist can pave way for new Marlins ballpark; Focus in Miami turns to new ballpark for Marlins; Marlins ballpark chances at Pompano considered a long shot; Pompano Park pitched as location for new Marlins ballpark; Marlins, Loria at crossroads with uncertain future; Orange County commissioner pushing for Marlins; Miami Arena owner sues to stop sale; Buyers sue Miami Arena owner; Deadline looms over proposal for Marlins ballpark in downtown Miami; Marlins officials tight-lipped on downtown Miami ballpark proposal; MLB ready to move on downtown Miami ballpark; Delay in solving cloud over Marlins' future has to end; Selig: Marlins need a new ballpark; DuPuy, local officials discuss new Marlins ballpark again; Marlins ballpark suffers setback; DuPuy meets with Marlins officials about new ballpark; Hialeah ballpark plan hinges on financial feasibility; Marlins to San Antonio: No thanks; Hialeah mayor upbeat on prospects of new Marlins ballpark; San Antonio, Marlins end courtship for now; Tough times for Marlins and their fans; Marlins players adjust to the empty seats; Marlins to view San Antonio sites: Officials will visit as planned with Florida park talks continuing; Marlins hit new lows in 8-5 loss; Failing bid for Marlins teaches Wolff a lesson; New funding plan proposed for Marlins ballpark in Hialeah; Development OK'd for potential Marlins ballpark site in Hialeah; Hopes fade in pursuit of Marlins; Marlins have until May 15 to decide about San Antonio move; Wolff plans to give Marlins a deadline; Loria wants Marlins' fate decided soon; House-hunting for Marlins on hold, for now; Willis, ballpark deal key issues for Marlins; Is Texas big enough for three MLB teams?; San Antonio makes first pitch to Marlins owner; Loria: Marlins seriously talking with San Antonio; Will Florida Marlins jump into San Antonio's net?; San Antonio officials get an invite Nolan Ryan backs San Antonio Marlins idea; City and county forming teams to lure Marlins; San Antonio bid for Marlins on hold; Wolff reveals site possibilities for San Antonio ballpark; Plan would provide $200 million toward new Marlins ballpark; Spurs looking to be part of ownership if San Antonio lures Marlins; San Antonio to Marlins: Include locals; Marlins move may spur border battle; Wolff makes ballpark pitch to Marlins; San Antonio under 'serious consideration' for Marlins relocation; Marlins front office meets with Homestead officials; Marlins to Oklahoma City?; Half-cent hike in Miami-Dade might help fund a Marlins ballpark; Owner laughs off idea of his track as Marlins ballpark site; Marlins, FAU to discuss stadium options; Norfolk session pleases Marlins; Possibility of Marlins ballpark deal called remote

Guinn OKs bonds for marina
Posted Jan. 4, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As he left the Nevada governor's office, Kenny Guinn determined The Legends at Sparks Marina will contribute significantly to economic development and tourism in the state. That allows the use of Sales Tax Anticipated Revenue (STAR) Bonds to partially finance the $1 billion project. Guinn's endorsement is a necessary step before STAR Bonds can be issued for the entertainment and retail project planned near Interstate 80 and Sparks Boulevard. Last month, the Nevada Commission on Tourism also endorsed the 1.35 million square-foot project that includes shops, restaurants, entertainment, night clubs and other attractions. Kansas City, Mo.-based developer RED Development Inc. also plans a Class AAA ballpark and a hotel/casino/spa for the site.
    RELATED STORIES: State tourism panel aids Sparks marina project

Avon takes a swing at baseball
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The race is on to bring professional baseball to Lorain County, and both cities in contention for a team are still in the game. While Lorain has received a commitment from U.S. Steel to help sponsor improvements to P.C. Campana Park in its quest for a minor league baseball team, Avon officials maintain they are not competing with Lorain to bring a minor-league team to the booming city. Yet Mayor Jim Smith did say the city is currently in discussions with a team, and he admitted he'd be happy to see professional baseball in Avon. The city has been working on plans to build a baseball and entertainment complex on about 120 acres at SR 611 and Interstate 90 that would include soccer fields, a ballpark and a walking trail, according to Smith. Smith said he has been approached by investors who are interested in buying an independent Frontier League team, but he insists the city will not sign on without the proper financing.
    RELATED STORIES: U.S. Steel donates for Lorain ballpark; Baseball slides into Lorain; Foltin: Avon also eyeing ball team; Foltin faces opposition over upgrades at park

Centerplate plans to eliminate trans fats in 2007
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Concessionaire Centerplate announced plans to eliminate trans fats in 2007. The plan includes preparing foods using only trans fat-free shortening products. Centerplate also intends to continue to work with its food suppliers to eliminate their use of trans fats in their processing operations. Currently, many of Centerplate's menu offerings at B.C. Place Stadium, the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Los Angeles Zoo and in the suites at the University of Phoenix Stadium (host of the BCS National Championship Game on January 8, 2007) are prepared using trans fat-free products. Centerplate controls concessions at six major-league ballparks and 23 minor-league ballparks. As you'll recall, we covered this issue several weeks ago.

Baseballs found to be 'juiced,' company claims
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A company that uses computer imaging claims baseballs had a larger rubberized core and a synthetic rubber ring in 1998, including the ball Mark McGwire hit for his 70th homer. Universal Medical Systems said Wednesday that with the assistance of Drs. Avrami S. Grader and Philip M. Halleck from The Center for Quantitative Imaging at Penn State, it took images of 1998 baseballs. "Examining the CT images of Mark McGwire's 70th home run ball, one can clearly see the synthetic ring around the core -- or 'pill' -- of the baseball," UMS President David Zavagno said. "While Mark McGwire may or may not have used illegal steroids, the evidence shows his ball -- under the governing body of the league -- was juiced." But Bob DuPuy, baseball's chief operating officer, said the core of the ball has been unchanged for decades. Rawlings has been the exclusive supplier of baseballs to the major leagues since 1977.

Affiliated baseball finally comes to Valley
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The Morning Call's No. 1 local story of the year was the return of affiliated baseball to the Lehigh Valley in the form of a Class AAA International League team slated to take the field at a new ballpark in 2008. If you've not been following the story for the last few years, you should read this article: it details the several different attempts to bring baseball back to Allentown and what a political struggle it was.
    RELATED STORIES: Allentown breaks ground on new ballpark; International League approves sale of Lynx; Lynx poised to leap after 2007

Stadium Grille set to open a block from new York ballpark
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Three men are hoping to tie their new restaurant to the introduction of professional baseball in York. The former Sunrise Restaurant on North Duke Street closed last week and is expected to open in a week, remodeled and with a new name. The aptly named Stadium Grille is only a block away from where construction continues on the Sovereign Bank Stadium, the home of the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League).

Slippery Rock team to unveil name, logo next week
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After two weeks and nearly 1,000 votes, the Name the Team contest for the new independent Frontier League team in Slippery Rock has concluded. The official team name, logo, and inaugural season souvenirs will be unveiled in a ceremony at Texas Roadhouse inside Clearview Mall in Butler at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9. Fans are invited to attend the announcement. "We were pleasantly surprised at the number of fans who participated in the contest and look forward to seeing them at the ballpark this summer," commented Slippery Rock general manager Steve Tahsler.

Thunder owner gives record donation to Make-A-Wish Foundation of NJ
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Trenton Thunder owner Joe Plumeri and his wife pledged $2 million yesterday to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey for construction of a "magical’’ place for children with life-threatening medical problems. The gift is the largest individual donation ever made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation nationwide since its founding in 1980. The Plumeri money is for construction of "A Wishing Place," which is planned to look like a castle and serve as the headquarters for the Jersey chapter of the foundation in addition to a facility for sick kids.

Somerset Patriots redesigning luxury suites, donating furniture
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The Somerset Patriots are redesigning the 20 luxury suites at Commerce Bank Ballpark and donating the current suite furniture to Somerset County United Way agencies. The approximately $100,000 worth of furniture will go to six Somerset County United Way agencies: the ARC of Somerset County, Somerset Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency, the Somerset Hills YMCA, the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center of Bridgewater, the Resource Center For Women and Their Families and Alternatives. The donated furniture includes leather sofas and chairs, stools and glass tables.

Stavrenos named VP/Corporate Relations of RailCats
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The Gary SouthShore RailCats (independent; Northern League) announced that George Stavrenos has joined the team as Vice President/Corporate Relations.  Stavrenos will oversee the organization’s sports marketing and corporate relations department.  Stavrenos will enter his 15^th year in minor league professional baseball in 2007 and has served as general manager with five clubs, including three Northern League teams.  He most recently served as the general manager of the Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association) from 2004-06. Stavrenos reunites with new RailCats General Manager Bill Terlecky. He worked under Terlecky with the Madison Black Wolf (independent; Northern League) in 1999.

Ballpark Notes
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Tony Diaz is the new manager of the Casper Rockies (rookie; Pioneer League). He takes over for long-time manager P.J. Carey, who had been with the Rockies for five seasons.  Diaz will begin his eighth season in the Rockies organization, his seventh season with Casper and his first in a managerial role. Duane Espy will begin his 1st season with the Casper Rockies as the team’s coach but his fifth year in the Colorado Rockies organization. Prior to landing the position as coach of the Casper Rockies, Espy served as the hitting coach for the Colorado Rockies. The trainer for the 2007 season will be Billy Whitehead, while the pitching coach for the club has yet to be determined....The Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) have announced their coaching staff for the 2007 campaign. Joining the Sky Sox will be new hitting coach and former big leaguer Carney Lansford. He will join a staff that returns manager Tom Runnells, pitching coach Chuck Kniffin, and trainer Heath Townsend. Lansford replaces Alan Cockrell, who has named as the Rockies new hitting coach at the end of last season. Runnells begins his fourth season with the Rockies organization and second with the Sky Sox after managing Double-A Tulsa during the 2004-05 seasons. Runnells, 51, guided the Sky Sox to a 66-77 record in 2006 and a fourth-place finish in the PCL’s Pacific Northern Division. A native of San Jose, California, Lansford, who will turn 50 next month, played 15 seasons in the major leagues with California (1978-80), Boston (1981-82) and Oakland (1983-92), where he won a Word Series in 1989.This will be Lansford’s first coaching duty at the since being a bench coach under Tony La Russa in St. Louis in 1997 and 1998. Lansford was also the manager of the Edmonton Trappers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) in 1999. Kniffin, 56, begins his second year in the Rockies organization with the Sky Sox after spending coming over from the Toronto Blue Jays system. Townsend, a Livingston, AL native, returns for his second season as the Sky Sox athletic trainer. A graduate of the University of West Alabama, this will be Heath’s seventh season in the Rockies organization....The Modesto Nuts (High Class A; California League) announced longtime college coach Jerry Weinstein will manage the 2007 edition. Hitting coach Dave Hajek will return for his second season with the Nuts, while pitching coach Butch Hughes returns for his third season with the club. Joining the Nuts for his second season in Modesto is head trainer Chris Strickland. Jerry Weinstein will join the Nuts staff after five seasons as an assistant coach at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. While at Cal Poly, Weinstein was in charge of pitchers and catchers. Prior to coaching at Cal Poly, Weinstein served as the Los Angles Dodgers Director of Player Development in 2000 and 2001. Dave Hajek begins his second season as hitting coach for Modesto Nuts. Hajek begins his fourth year in professional coaching after making his coaching debut with the Asheville Tourists in 2004. Butch Hughes has been involved in professional baseball for 22 years and also spent time coaching at the amateur level and overseas....Chris Bando is the new manager of the Aiken Foxhounds (independent; South Coast League). He played nine seasons in the major leagues while his older brother, Sal, was a four time All-Star in 16 seasons in the majors. Bando, an All-American catcher at Arizona State University (‘75-‘78) lifted the Sun Devils to the 1977 National Championship with a game winning homerun against the University of South Carolina. The switch hitting Bando returned to the College World Series the following season and was named to the All-Tournament team. He still ranks sixth in school history with a career .388 (195-for-502) batting average....The independent South Coast League announced the signing of former major-league home-run champion Cecil Fielder as Roving Hitting Instructor for the 2007 season. "This signing sends a message to our players and the baseball industry as a whole that the South Coast League is committed to player development," said SCL Chief Executive Officer Jamie Toole. "Cecil was a premier hitter during his career and our players will benefit from his instruction." A graduate of UNLV, Fielder was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 31st round of the 1981 amateur draft, but did not sign. The following season, he was chosen by the Kansas City Royals in the 4th round of the 1982 draft. The Royals ultimately traded Fielder to the Toronto Blue Jays in February of 1983 where he began his minor league career. Fielder made his debut with the Blue Jays in the summer of 1985, and managed to hit 31 homeruns and 84 RBI’s in limited playing time over four seasons. After the ’88 season, the Hanshin Tigers, of Japan’s Central League, purchased his contract from the Jays and the rest was history.

Florida finalizes five spring-training grants
Posted Jan. 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Sports Foundation and the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development gave final approval to $15 million matching grants allowing five cities to keep spring training. The five grants, which were preliminarily approved last month, go to Sarasota (for a new Reds complex), Bradenton (for renovations to Pirate City and McKechnie Field), Port St. Lucie (for renovations to Tradition Field), Charlotte County (for a renovated complex for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays) and Fort Lauderdale (for a renovated Fort Lauderdale Stadium and an expanded complex). The conditions of the state grants are simple: local municipalities must match the grants and sign an MLB team to a long-term contract for spring training. None of the five grants was a surprise, especially when only six municipalities applies for the funds (Fort Myers' late application was rejected). Now, whether all five projects will actually materialize remains to be seen. Port St. Lucie will use the funds to pay for enhancements already made to Tradition Field, so that's not an issue. Charlotte County is already set to renovate the Charlotte Sports Complex (the former spring home of the Texas Rangers) for use by the D-Rays by 2009. Bradenton is set to go with its renovations to the Pirates' spring home, which includes the installation of lights at McKechnie Field. (One other potential benefit to lights at McKechnie Field: potentially a minor-league team could play there. The independent South Coast League has already explored a lease there, and don't be surprised if there's an agreement down the road to move the team's existing Bradenton franchise, slated to play at Manatee Community College this coming season.) All sides appear to be set in the renovation and expansion of Fort Lauderdale Stadium, which will allow the Baltimore Orioles to unite major- and minor-league camps (O's minor leaguers currently train in Sarasota). The future of a new Reds complex remains in some doubt: there's still a $10-million funding gap after contributions from the city, county tourism board, Reds and the state are all tallied. Organizers say they'll bridge the gap by leasing land adjoining the complex. More from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Charlotte Sun-Herald and the Baltimore Sun.
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U.S. Steel donates for Lorain ballpark
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Plans for an upgraded Campana Park in Lorain, Ohio, were boosted when U.S. Steel announced a $250,000 donation for 10,000 seats, restrooms and other improvements at the city's 14-acre baseball complex currently used by youth leagues. The company's donation, plus an additional $500,000 from federal and state recycling and community development grants, should attract the attention of minor leagues and summer-collegiate leagues. Cleveland State University and Lorain County Community College are already committed to playing at Campana Park. Consultants say four independent leagues have expressed interest in playing at Campana Park, but we find that a little unrealistic: it fits perfectly in the Frontier League footprint, would be a stretch for the Northern League and would be a big stretch for the Can-Am Association.
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Mounds of action at Lee County's ballparks
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We're now less than two months away from the start of spring-training games, but work is being done on the two spring-training facilities in Florida's Lee County. At Hammond Stadium, the spring home of the Minnesota Twins, two rows of seats, which are called dugout seats, are being added behind home plate. An empty concrete structure sits along the right-field line, where the visiting team's bullpen was once located. By the time the Twins play their home opener March 2, a berm will be tucked into the concrete. At City of Palms Park, the spring home of the Boston Red Sox, a new section of 128 seats is being added beyond the right-field wall. The Red Sox will soon put on display a statue of legendary slugger Ted Williams. No date has been announced for the unveiling.

Whiff! Baseball study out on strikes
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A $200,000 study of the feasibility of building a minor league baseball park and landing a team in Gwinnett (Ga.) was struck out of the County Commission's 2007 budget Tuesday. But the proposal's manager says it isn't over yet. The study was one of 16 items totaling $6 million the board cut from its proposed 2007 budget before approving the $1.68 billion spending plan. The budget requires no tax increase. Commissioner Bert Nasuti has proposed a privately financed baseball complex be built north of the Gwinnett Arena on I-85. Not only would the facility be home to a new minor league team, he said, but it would include additional practice fields that could attract regional and statewide baseball tournaments. Some commissioners say want to see local tourism funds used for a study, which could be a good investment. Gwinnett is regarded as potentially being a very good market: it's far enough away from downtown Atlanta to not be a serious threat to the Braves (indeed, try driving from Gwinnett to downtown during rush hour) but featuring very desirable demographics -- desirable enough to where the market could support a Class AA or even Class AAA team. Whether the Braves would allow a team in the market remains to be seen; we're guessing an indy outfit like the South Coast League is drooling over the prospects of a Gwinnett franchise.
    RELATED STORIES: Gwinnett explores minor-league baseball

Boston prepares welcome mat for Japanese tourists
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Boston officials say they're ready for hordes of Japanese tourists to descend on Fenway Park to see import Daisuke Matsuzaka work his magic on the mound. William MacDougall, CEO of Tourism Massachusetts, the agency that markets Boston and Massachusetts worldwide. MacDougall already expects Massachusetts this year will win at least 20,000 extra visitors from Japan, worth an additional $75 million in economic impact. The new Japan connection could even help the city win non-stop air service between Boston and Japan, he says. Since the Red Sox sell every ticket possible for Fenway Park games, the franchise won't necessarily benefit; tour-group operators and hotel owners will probably be the bigger beneficiaries.
    RELATED STORIES: Japanese may follow Matsuzaka to Boston

Springdale commission approves new ballpark
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The Springdale (Ark.) Planning Commission approved rezoning and a large-scale development for a new ballpark for the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League), hurrying to have the grounds ready for moving dirt by February. Development plans usually include drawings of the outside of buildings, but the ballpark passed without meeting the requirement. The project is on a fast-track basis and scheduled to open for the 2008 season.
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Committee seeks to drum up support for Jaxx
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Hoping to keep the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League) at Pringles Park for years to come, the city of Jackson is organizing a committee to help renew community support for the franchise. And Jaxx owners say they are willing to put past issues aside and increase their efforts to make minor-league baseball successful in West Tennessee. We continue to hear the team is on the market -- a number of $10 million was thrown around at the Winter Meetings, but there was little interest -- and it remains to be seen whether Jackson fans will turn out to the tune of 200,000 total attendance this coming season.
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Clark Griffith appointed new commissioner of Northern League
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Clark Griffith is the new commissioner of the independent Northern League, becoming the league's third commissioner in three years as he replaces Jim Weigel. Griffith was previously general counsel for the league as well as brokering earlier franchise sales. Griffith has an extensive baseball pedigree: the son of former Minnesota Twins owner Calvin Griffith, Clark Griffith worked for the Twins while also serving as chairman of the Board of Major League Baseball Properties from 1975 to 1984. He will face some interesting challenges: there are still issues regarding the league's large footprint (stretching from Alberta to Kansas to Indiana, the league's geography presents some very real travel issues) and the inability to add new markets for the 2007 season, as some owners were very disappointed in the decision by Southern Illinois Miners to go with the Frontier League instead of the Northern League -- a decision that played in the decision not to bring Weigel back. You can expect the Northern League to make a strong play for Wichita as far as future developments go. More from the Winnipeg Sun.

New professional baseball team brings excitement of summer to St. George
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The St. George Roadrunners (independent; Golden Baseball League) are hitting the ground running for the 2007, as Manager Cory Snyder has already signed a dozen players while expecting to add more from the Arizona Winter League. The team will play at Dixie State College's Hurst Stadium, the former home of the Western League's Zion Pioneerzz. Games will begin about 7:20 p.m., about an hour later than when the Pioneerzz began their games and ran into the searing summer heat. The team is working on an awning system over the boxseats to provide shade and will use the misting system the Pioneerzz installed.
    RELATED STORIES: New for 2007: The St. George Roadrunners

Gold Sox sold to Fair Oaks couple
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Yuba-Sutter Gold Sox managing partners Peter and Bob Bavasi announced Tuesday the team has been sold. Tom and Karyn Lininger of Fair Oaks will succeed the Bavasis as majority owners of the collegiate summer league baseball team. Bob Bavasi will remain invested in the Gold Sox, serving as an operating partner. Tom Lininger, 42, is an attorney and his law firm, Thomas D. Lininger & Associates, provides civil litigation and mediation services to clients in Yuba-Sutter and throughout Northern California. Bob Bavasi would not disclose the final sale price, but a Web site outlining the sale offer had a listing price of $788,000. The deal includes the team and the Horizon Air Summer Series collegiate wood-bat league in which it plays.  More from the Appeal-Democrat.

Corvallis Knights remain excited
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Their home field is in the midst of a major renovation, their current roster may be affected by the MLB draft, injuries or other factors and opening night is still more than five months away. Yet there’s a sense of anticipation and excitement in Dan Segel’s voice as the president and general manager of the summer-collegiate Corvallis Knights looks ahead to the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League franchise’s inaugural season at Goss Stadium. Segel is hopeful the Knights can average between 250 and 750 fans for their 24 home games, which would be a substantial increase from the 2006 season at Mr. Hood, when they averaged a league-low 84 fans per game.

WCCBL joins Summer Collegiate Baseball Association
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The independent West Coast Collegiate Baseball League (WCCBL) announced it is joining two high-profile summer wood-bat leagues – the Northwoods and Coastal Plain – in the Summer Collegiate Baseball Association (SCBA), becoming its sole western representative. According to WCCBL commissioner Jim Dietz, there are many long-term benefits to the move, including the opportunity to leverage the promotions base of both leagues and be a part of cooperative corporate agreements with major national sponsors. Already, the WCCBL's sponsor list has included Nike, which backed the league’s first-ever All-Star game last July.

In memoriam: George Sisler Jr.
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George Sisler Jr., whose baseball credentials included the presidency of the International League and the the former general manager of two Columbus baseball franchises and the Rochester Red Wings, died Sunday in Worthington. He was 89. The son of Hall of Fame first baseman George Sisler, Sisler was the GM for the Columbus Red Birds in 1953-54 and held the same title when the Columbus Clippers debuted in 1977. Sisler helped plan the transformation of Jets Stadium from the dilapidated structure it was when the Columbus Jets left in 1970 to a premier facility for the Clippers. Franklin County Stadium (now Cooper Stadium in honor of Harold Cooper, the general manager who succeeded Sisler in 1955) was the first minor-league stadium to have artificial turf and rooftop suites. More from the Columbus Dispatch.

In memoriam: Kathryn Gemme
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Kathryn Gemme, a lifelong Red Sox fan who followed the team since the days of Babe Ruth, has died. She was 112. Gemme attended her first game at Fenway Park at age 18 in 1912 shortly after the ballpark opened and her last game in May 2004 when she was greeted by catcher Jason Varitek and Johnny Pesky. Team officials brought the 2004 World Series trophy to her 111th birthday party in November 2005.

Ballpark Notes
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The Boston Red Sox have announced the coaching staff for the 2007 Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League). Hitting coach Russ Morman will return for his fourth season with the Sea Dogs, while pitching coach Mike Cather and trainer Brad Pearson join the Sea Dogs in 2007. The trio completes the coaching staff which will be led by new manager Arnie Beyler....Jon Deeble returns as manager of the Lowell Spinners (short season; NY-Penn League), where he managed in 2003. He's most recently served as the Red Sox's s coordinator of Pacific Rim scouting. Joining him in Lowell are pitching coach Ace Adams and hitting coach Alan Mauthe....

Cisco blending tech and baseball
Posted Jan. 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Cisco is putting together a team of tech execs to work on a proposed new ballpark for the Oakland Athletics in Fremont. They will strategize about how to fill the park with Cisco's networking equipment that will let fans use the latest available technology, so that they can do everything from upgrading tickets on cell phones to watching instant replays on handhelds. The first public meeting to reveal details of the ballpark is tentatively set for mid-January with the city council of Fremont, future home of the $500 million ballpark village. Some of their ideas will undoubtedly be shot down -- like their proposal to put displays on the backs of seats -- but others could be a breath of fresh air in the ballpark world. Still, we're a little skeptical of too much tech in the ballpark. It's one thing to outfit point-of-sale devices with more efficient scanners to keep the food lines moving; it's another to install high-speed networking to allow fans to view replays from their seats on laptops. We've never seen many folks in any ballpark whipping out their laptops or PDAs to take advantage of a high-speed network -- not even in the luxury boxes -- and we can remember the days at AT&T Park when devices allowing fans to download game information and lineups on their Palm Pilots were universally ignored. We'd venture to guess hardcore baseball fans actually make up a smaller percentage of game attendees these days (especially on the MLB level), and the average game attendee is worried more about where the restrooms are location than whether they can download stats to their laptop.
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Ballpark land swap still in play for reshaping Charlotte
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An ambitious land swap that could yield a new ballpark for the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) is a little behind schedule, as organizers had hoped to receive all necessary approvals by the end of 2006. Still, it sounds like all parties are close to making a deal, as the most important player, Mecklenburg County, appears ready to make a deal, taking on most of the financial obligations, which include nearly $11 million in road, utility and site-preparation construction. (The Knights will actually pay for the $35-million ballpark.) From what we hear, the basics of the deal are all set; the devil is in the details, however.
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Work continues on Disch-Falk renovations
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Renovation work continues at Disch-Falk Field, home of the University of Texas Longhorns. The $21 million project, designed by The DLR Group, calls for a new façade, renovated and expanded seating areas, a renovated press box, a new spectator club area, renovated and expanded player development areas and public concourses and plazas. There also will be renovated and upgraded concessions and restrooms, a renovated ticket office, and the replacement of the field lighting system, as well as an upgraded sound system and renovated scoreboard. The University of Texas baseball team will play its first four games of the regular season, beginning Feb. 2 against San Diego, at Dell Diamond, the home of the Round Rock Express (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). The Longhorns, who released their 55-game schedule on Tuesday, then switch to Disch-Falk Field. (Photo by Jim Robins.)

With Indians leaving, options open
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If the Cleveland Indians do indeed leave Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes Park as a spring-training home -- and all indications they will after March 2008 -- Winter Haven is then free to do with the complex what it will. City officials won't shed too may tears over the loss of the Indians, as expenditures ($900,000) outstripped revenues ($300,000) at the complex, and the city's bottom line could also be improved if the land is developed. Studies are being done to determine the property's best use and the economic impact such development will provide.
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Work on Osprey ballpark set to resume
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Work on Allegiance Field at Ogren Park, the home of the Missoula Osprey (rookie; Pioneer League), is set to continue this year. As you'll recall, Play Ball Missoula was able to get a rudimentary ballpark built and then ran into financial issues. Last year the group raised enough money to finish construction, which is set to begin this month. The Osprey and Play Ball Missoula are splitting the next phase of the building. Play Ball is paying for the concrete work; the team will pay for the remaining construction, including seats and clubhouse interiors. The concrete, being poured off-site, will form the new clubhouses, concessions, restrooms and additional seating. The trailers that housed the home and visiting clubhouses, concessions, restrooms and ticket sales have all been removed.
   RELATED STORIES: Missoula OKs plan to finish ballpark; This space could be for rent; New for 2006: Allegiance Field at Ogren Park

Israeli league scouts U.S. ballplayers
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A tryout for the Israel Baseball League last week brought out some interesting attendees, including 67-year-old Holocaust survivor Ivan Gluck and Rabbi Yaakov Green, who never played college baseball. (Neither made the cut.) The IBL will begin operations next season with six teams: the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox, Netanya Tigers, Petach Tikva Pioneers, Jerusalem/Gezer Lions, Haifa/Nahariya Stingrays and Tel Aviv Lightning. Officials also said they hope to compete in the 2009 World Baseball Classic with Jewish major and minor-league players like Jason Marquis of the Chicago Cubs and Boston's Kevin Youkilis. (Probably not Mike Jacobs, however.)
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